Phil Ivey suing Tiltware over players' funds, will skip World Series of Poker

Courtesy Photo | NBC SportsPhil Ivey says he won't be playing in the World Series of Poker until U.S. players get their funds back from Full Tilt.

It's like Rafael Nadal skipping Wimbledon. Or Jimmie Johnson passing on NASCAR's Chase. Or a healthy Tiger Woods saying no thanks to the Masters.

OK, maybe Woods isn't the greatest example these days, but the poker world was shocked late Tuesday when arguably the sport's best player -- Phil Ivey -- announced he'd be skipping this summer's World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Ivey, an eight-time WSOP bracelet winner, is suing Tiltware and said he's "deeply disappointed and embarrassed" that Full Tilt players haven't been paid since Black Friday.

PokerStars reached a deal with the Department of Justice and has returned players' funds. Full Tilt has not.

When the WSOP opened Tuesday with a $25,000 buy-in heads-up event and Ivey wasn't there, questions began to arise from fellow players and media. Then Ivey released the following statement, first on Facebook, and then on his website:

For many years, I have been proud to call myself a poker player. This great sport has taken me to places I only imagined going and I have been blessed with much success. It is therefore with deep regret that I believe I am compelled to release the following statement.

I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.

My name and reputation have been dragged through the mud, through the inactivity and indecision of others and on behalf of all poker players I refuse to remain silent any longer. I have electronically filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to the unsettled player accounts. As I am sure the public can imagine, this was not an easy decision for me.

I whole heartedly refuse to accept non-action as to repayment of players funds and I am angered that people who have supported me throughout my career have been treated so poorly.

I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into immediate action and would like to clarify that until a solution is reached that cements the security of all players, both US and International, I will, as I have for the last six weeks, dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment.

Ivey had not made a public statement since Black Friday. This was a resounding one.

Not surprisingly, many of Ivey's peers praised him on Twitter for taking a stand against a company that has sponsored him for years.

Daniel Negreanu tweeted: "Tough spot, but I definitely admire his decision to put player funds before bracelets. ... I imagine it was an uber tough decision because Ivey loves WSOP, but he
couldn't in good conscious play while US customers haven't been paid."

And if Tuesday was any indication, some Full Tilt players could be in for a chilly reception at the WSOP.

PokerNews.com reported James Bord had some choice words for John Juanda after busting out of his match in the $25K heads-up event. Ivey's decision and actions help him avoid such a situation at the Rio, and makes him a martyr among many peers.

The legend of Ivey grows, but will this speed up Full Tilt's repayment plans? Stay tuned.